pH and Buffers

pH A measure of the amount of hydrogen in a solution. As the number of hydrogens goes up, pH goes down.

pH • A ___________ or a __________ can destroy compounds. (Example: when an acid is added to milk, the extra hydrogen cause the milk proteins to ____________ _________________ and clump together) So, cells have a specific _______________ and ____________________ where they can remain at homeostasis.

Buffers • Naturally occurring molecules that help maintain the _________________ in cells • A great example of buffers can be found in our blood

Buffer in Our Blood 1. The pH of blood is normally ________ for homeostasis 2. Death can occur if your blood pH is even slightly __________ or _______________ this pH 3. As your cells produce _________________________, your blood pH goes ______________because carbon dioxide and water form an ___________ (by adding ___________________ to the blood) 4. When too much carbon dioxide is in the bloodstream, a ________________ comes along and grabs the extra _______________ thus ______________the blood back to a normal ____________. 5. This buffer's name is ___________________ (just like sodium bicarbonate = ______________________________)